On Sunday, the Giants play host to the Green Bay Packers in what should be great theater. The winners of the past two Super Bowls square off in a game that has clear playoff implications. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers haven't forgotten last year's playoff loss to the Giants.

Adrian Peterson is having a sensational season, but so is Harvin, with 62 catches, 677 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He gives the Vikings another quick-strike weapon, and the offense has a variety of ways to get ball to Harvin.

He turns 38 years old Dec. 5, so Batch is used to hearing jokes about his age from teammates. But the Steelers' position is no laughing matter. With Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich nursing injuries, Batch will be the starting quarterback Sunday when the Steelers visit the Cleveland Browns.

Nobody can be certain how much game Batch has left. At the very least, Batch must avoid mistakes that help the offensively challenged Browns.

Pittsburgh needs any kind of win, no matter how ugly. Batch isn't asked to play often. On Sunday, he'll be asked to deliver in a big spot.

The smart money says Harbaugh won't let the 49ers be derailed by the Alex Smith-Colin Kaepernick quarterback controversy. Still, it will be interesting to see how Harbaugh navigates this tricky situation.

Smith got the 49ers to the NFC championship game last season. Kaepernick looked sensational Monday night. But with just one NFL start, Kaepernick has plenty to learn. Sometimes the more young quarterbacks play, the more flaws are uncovered.

Harbaugh must figure out which quarterback is best for the 49ers right now. Not an easy decision. However, based on his track record, Harbaugh won't be worried about being second-guessed about his decision.

Palmer wanted out of town last season and got his wish. But the trade that sent him to the Raiders has worked out better for the Bengals. They have a talented young quarterback in Andy Dalton and a chance to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The Raiders are struggling because of a porous defense, and with Palmer being asked to carry much of the offense.

"Carson has been very uneven this year," said Ron Jaworkski, as ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback. "He's pressing and trying too hard. I'm seeing mistakes that a veteran quarterback normally wouldn't make.

No matter how much Palmer and Bengals coach Marvin Lewis downplay things, both really want this game. The Bengals have gotten over Palmer. Now they just want to beat him.